Free music festivals

Now in its second year, Oxjam (0870-850 6246) events take place throughout October all over the country. The Buskathon Scotland will bring free acoustic music to a street near you for a full 24 hours, with hundreds of aspiring strummers from around the country staying up all night in the name of fun and philanthropy.

Mainly a music festival, but does have a visual and performance art strand. Although the festival is partially ticketed, there is a separate programme of 75 free events. This year there will be a French theme to the music and jazz. 020-7796 4949

This twice-yearly classical festival features music, education events, walks and talks. One third of these classical events are free, and none cost more than five pounds. 75 Brushfield Street, London E1 (020-7377 0287)

Now more than 20 years old, and one of the largest free jazz festivals around, this event has come an impressively long way from its debut in a borrowed tent. Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, London W5 (020-8825 6064)

Throughout July, this South Bank venue next to City Hall will be hosting lunchtime and evening concerts of various kinds of music from gospel to latin, big band and R&B. Lunchtimes 12.30pm-2pm, evenings 6pm-9pm.

Largest free folk festival in the country. Traditional and contemporary folk, blues, Celtic, English, Scottish and African dance groups, country dancing, line dancing, jive. Very family friendly with lots laid on for children and a chance to join in with evening sing-a-rounds. Leigh-on-Sea near Southend-on-Sea.

Largest free festival of world music in the UK. Local musical acts mix with those from around the globe to create a spectacular opportunity for cultural exchange. Also a street bazaar with stalls selling clothing, crafts and food from around the world. Hitchin, Herts (01462 454649)

Small and family-friendly celebration of Bristol's diversity featuring a parade, music, food stalls and dancing. Past years have seen organisers turfing the alleyways, while locals decorated their buildings with graffiti and personalised designs. 0117-916 6421

The Big Day Out in Cambridge comprises three separate events. The first, Pop in the Park, is an evening of open-air pop from an eclectic group of musicians (last year Roy Wood headlined, with BodyRox and the Blazin' Squad warming up the crowd). The Big Day Out is a whole day and night of live pop/rock music, performers, market stalls, fireworks and a tea dance. The weekend finishes with the Summer Sunday, a daytime celebration of world music.

The Midlands' biggest free festival will be even bigger this year to mark its 10th anniversary. Offers three days of live music from hip hop to folk, comedy and poetry acts, talks and a carnival parade. Previous acts include Leo Sayer, Mercury Rev and The Fratellis. Coventry Memorial Park, Coventry 024-7622 7264

A unique celebration of arts and culture by Greater Manchester's diverse refugee communities, featuring world music and dance from across the globe. Includes workshops, children's activities, food stalls and crafts. Hulme Park, Stretford Road, Manchester, 0161-234 2987

The largest free annual music event in Europe, with live stages around the city including the Pier Head and city centre. Expect big names (last year the Lightning Seeds headlined) and a huge array of local talent. Part of Beatles Week, it's a mighty experience.